03x18 - Light the Wick

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Gotham...

Shall we begin?

I'm not Bruce.

And I won't let you tell Alfred.

How are you gonna stop...

I'd like to introduce our newest member, James Gordon.

Welcome to The Court of Owls.

Are you okay?

I just remembered.

There's someone I need to k*ll.

"BARNES".

This virus isn't the disease.

It's the best thing that's ever happened to me.

I don't need a cure.

I will purge Gotham, and the innocents will thank me!

Their savior!

Their executioner.

BARNES'.

Guilty.

Guilty.

What's this I see?

Captain Barnes being escorted away by the orderlies.

Who is this new player that enters the fray?

And with that, it was over.

Leaving me to wonder what mysterious forces are at play in the middle of the night.

"KATHRYN".

Captain Barnes.

At last, we meet.

Who are you?

Let's just say I'm a fan.

What do you want?

The same thing you do.

For Gotham to be judged, and the guilty punished.

Well, then release me, and I'll do just that.

Unfortunately, we're looking to pass sentence on a much larger scale.

And to do that, we need what's inside of you.

The virus.

Precisely.

But don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't drain you completely.

Hello, Captain.

Strange.

I'm sorry, Captain.

This might sting.

Hey, Lee.

- What's this?

- My final report on Frank Gordon.

Cause of death...

Homicide?

I thought Jim's uncle k*lled himself.

Did you?

Look, I know you're upset.

- After everything you've been through...

- Don't.

Don't you dare do that.

This is not about Mario.

Then what's it about?

Why are you here?

What do you want me to do?

Harvey, you are acting captain.

I want you to open an investigation into the m*rder of Frank Gordon, and I think Jim should be questioned.

You're accusing Jim of k*lling his own uncle?

- Why would he do that?

- I don't know.

But I know that he is involved somehow.

Maybe not in his death, but maybe in covering it up.

Making it look like a su1c1de.

And I wanna know who else is involved.

Are you implying I'm involved as well?

Tell me I'm wrong, Harvey.

Tell me there's nothing else going on.

Look me in the eyes, and tell me I'm crazy.

You're not crazy, Lee.

You're hurt.

And there's nothing going on.

We used to be friends, Harvey.

I know you're covering for him.

I don't know what he's involved in, but I'm gonna find out.

The ruling council has decided to suspend all Court activity in order to focus our attention on the preparations at hand.

Gotham's judgment is imminent.

To that end, any members who have not submitted their list for review and approval should do so today.

We are adjourned.

Excuse me?

Yeah.

I'm looking for a friend of mine.

Knock yourself out.

Her name's Selina.

Selina Kyle.

She knew Barbara Kean.

She used to hang out here, I think.

You think?

- You don't sound real close.

- Oh, no, we were.

Kind of.

She was always really bossy, you know?

And then we got into this fight, I was gone for a while...

I don't care.

Try Gotham General.

Did something happen to her?

I heard she fell out of a window and is in pretty bad shape.

What are you doing in here?

I'm supposed to put down my list of names, but nobody told me what for.

Loved ones are to be spared from the coming judgment.

Thank you.

No!

It can't be.

I'm sorry.

This ward is restricted.

What happened to her?

No idea.

Police found her on the street.

Looks like she fell.

Fell?

That's impossible.

- Is she gonna be all right?

- No.

What do you mean, "No"?

Tell me she's gonna be all right!

She's gonna be all right.

No, you're just saying that because I...

Just tell me the truth.

We've tried everything.

All we can do now is make her comfortable.

Leave us and don't come back.

Don't listen to them, Selina.

They don't know what I know.

They can't do what I can do.

I will heal you.

I promise.

Isn't it enough, you holding me against my will?

Must you also hover while I work?

I'd think you would prefer this to playing nurse maid to Fish Mooney.

I was able to save Fish Mooney despite the fact that she had one foot in the grave.

I took it as a personal challenge.

Grandstanding doesn't suit you.

Were you able to accomplish what we asked?

See for yourself.

Hello?

What do you want from me?

Someone tell me what's going on!

Previously, the Alice Tetch virus could only be transmitted through direct contact with her blood.

What is that?

Someone, please, help!

"KATHRYN".

You've done it.

You've weaponized the virus.

Pick it up.

No.

You win, and you go free.

Pick up the stick and defeat this man.

You're lying!

This is just another way of manipulating me.

Pick it up.

Prove me wrong.

All that pain and anger, you think it's strength.

It's not.

You think you can harness it.

You can't.

You think it's part of you, but it doesn't have to be.

Do you know why you were so easily defeated?

No.

Your rage, Bruce.

It blinds you.

You seek to control it, and yet, it controls you and has ever since that night.

Rage and pain are two sides of the same coin.

I can release you from the pain of that night, and when I do, nothing will be able to stop you.

Listen, Jim, we got a hit on the prints you lifted off the mask.

Kathryn's last name is Monroe.

She's from one of Gotham's oldest families.

Her address is 450 Clinton Ave.

Ah, nice work, Harvey.

Kathryn seems to be the only one who knows what the w*apon is.

So, what's the plan?

Break in, see what I can find out.

What do you think, she's keeping it on her fireplace mantel?

I searched the Court chambers.

She isn't taking any chances with the rank and file knowing what the w*apon is.

If there is something to find, it'll be at her house.

That's a big risk.

You get caught, ballgame over.

I don't have a choice.

Listen, Jim, about your uncle.

Lee came into my office wanting to open an investigation into his death.

She asked me point blank what you were doing.

- What'd you say?

- Nothing.

I lied.

Jim, she seemed like she was in a pretty dark place.

Anything else?

Uh, yeah.

Not to add on, but I got a call from a buddy of mine at Arkham last night.

Barnes was transferred.

- Transferred?

To where?

- We don't know.

I've got Alvarez looking into it.

But don't worry.

We will find him.

- Thanks, Harvey.

- Jim, be careful.

Oswald.

Hello, Jim.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised you're still alive.

Yes, lam quite hard to k*ll.

I take it this isn't a social call.

I'm looking for Ed.

We have some unfinished business.

And it turns out you were the last one who saw him.

Yeah, before he escaped police custody.

Escaped?

From the great Detective Gordon?

I think not.

Ed went on television demanding information about a group that runs Gotham.

A group called The Court.

And you called in and said you had that information.

- A ruse, to get him to the GCPD.

- Perhaps.

But then you arrest him, and voila, he disappears.

Sorry.

"Escapes custody." Can you see how I might think you may have handed Ed off to this all-powerful group for some reason?

For your own sake, Oswald, drop it.

I knew it.

You don't know anything.

Trust me.

Let it go.

Sorry.

No can do.

I assume The Court doesn't like publicity, hence Ed's sudden disappearance after his television debut.

But that is exactly what they're going to get, unless they deal with me in a civilized and professional manner.

I'm sure you wouldn't mind facilitating something on my behalf.

My number is the only one in here.

I will expect a call by the end of the day.

Why do I get the sense I'm being threatened?

This is a favor, Jim.

After all, we're old friends.

Right?

Thomas?

Yes, ma'am.

Kathryn.

Detective Gordon, what is the meaning of this?

Who let you in here?

Oswald Cobblepot is alive and back in Gotham.

He paid me a visit this morning.

He knows Nygma's disappearance has something to do with The Court.

Is that all?

I'm tired of being kept in the dark.

I want a seat at the table.

How ambitious.

You asked me to be on The Court.

Now I have done everything you've asked.

I think I've proved my commitment.

I want to know what's going on.

I want to know what the judgment entails.

And if you don't like what you hear?

Try me.

Gotham is sick.

Crime and v*olence is so common the people have become numb to it.

To heal the city, we have to force them to take notice.

Force them, how?

By showing the people of Gotham their darkest selves.

I'll consider your request.

Now leave my house at once.

"BULLOCK".

It's Harvey.

Leave a message.

Harvey, I know what the w*apon is.

I know how they're gonna pass judgment on Gotham.

The w*apon is the Alice Tetch virus?

Kathryn said the w*apon would show Gotham its darkest self.

Alice Tetch was in Indian Hill for years.

They would've known about her.

- It's the virus.

I'm sure of it.

- Ls that even possible?

Well, that's why you're here, Lucius.

I'm sorry to throw you into the deep end of the pool like this, but I need to know what we're up against.

You mean, beyond a secret society that controls all of Gotham?

Well, if they could isolate the virus, they could transform it into any number of compounds that could be released on a large scale into the city.

All they need is a sample of her blood.

Well, they ain't getting it from the source, and after Mario broke into the haematology lab, they destroyed the rest of Alice's blood.

I mean, where do they get a sample?

They don't need a sample of Alice's blood, just a sample of the virus.

The virus that she passed along to the people she infected.

- Barnes.

- Exactly.

Barnes wasn't transferred out of Arkham, Kathryn kidnapped him.

So if we can find out where he was taken, we can stop this.

And how do we go about doing that?

I found this in Kathryn's study.

Any idea what lab it belongs to?

No.

But when I was running the Wayne Enterprises R&D division, we only had a half-dozen off-site labs.

Barnes isn't exactly the kind of guy who's gonna blend in.

It'd have to be somewhere isolated and small enough for them to control...

I think I know where they took him.

Just put them down wherever there's space, and then go back to where I found you.

Yes, ma'am.

Selina, I would like to introduce you to Nepeta Cataria, or rather, a very specialized strain of a plant that I've been cultivating.

This guy is a break-in-case-of-emergency type of deal.

You've always been there for me.

Even when I screwed things up, which was most of the time.

Just breathe deep, and I'll be here when you wake up.

Just wake up, okay?

Are we going back to the alley where my parents were m*rder*d?

No.

There's another memory I wanna start with.

The first time you felt the rage after your parents' death, - do you remember?

- Yes.

The rage from that day continues to burn inside of you, feeding on your pain, blinding you from everything else, and if left unchecked, will one day consume you.

We need to remove it before that happens.

You want me to give up my memory of that day?

No.

The events themselves will remain.

I'm only talking about releasing you from the destructive emotions connected with them.

And if I don't wanna be released?

You have chosen your prison, Bruce.

I'm offering you a way out.

Why?

You said I was to become the protector of Gotham.

Why me?

Because you need each other.

Gotham needs a protector, and you need a purpose.

I'm only trying to show you the way.

But it has to be...

Your choice.

You know where you are?

- My parents' wake.

- Yes.

You were surrounded by friends and family, and yet...

I felt alone.

This was the first time I truly processed that my parents were gone.

The first time I thought of myself as an orphan.

Is that why you left?

No.

Then why did you?

I heard what they were saying.

He witnessed the whole thing.

- He must've been terrified.

- Devastated.

Traumatized.

My parents were dead, but all anybody was talking about was me.

How concerned they were about me.

My parents had been m*rder*d.

Gunned down and left for dead and nobody seemed...

Angry.

Yes.

And so you left.

I hid in my parents' room.

My father was supposed to be buried in a pair of cuff links that I'd bought him for his birthday the year before.

He always said they were his favorite.

But when it came time to give them up, I couldn't let them go.

It's time to let them go.

Here, you can lock it away, and once you do, you'll be free of the power it holds over you.

I've been waiting a long time for this, Bruce.

Together, we will make Gotham pay.

No guards.

No security.

I don't like it either.

I guess we know where the guards went.

Man: Hello?

GCPD.

Freeze.

The police.

Thank God.

Keep your hands where we can see them!

I didn't wanna k*ll these people, all right?

I just lost control.

On the ground, now!

Now!

I'm the good guy here!

You're just like them.

You're out to get me.

What have you done with the virus?

Who has it?

A woman named Kathryn.

- Where is she?

Where has she taken it?

- I don't know.

As I told you, I was brought here against my will.

I know nothing of their other plans.

Hugo Strange, you're under arrest for attempt to weaponize a viral...

Hell, you know why.

Oh, you don't want to do that.

The delivery mechanism that they plan to use to release the virus just recently arrived.

The shipment that came into dock 9C.

Yes.

It still needs to be tested.

Which means that you still have enough time to keep them from unleashing it citywide.

But, of course, if they discover that their lab has been compromised...

He's right.

They might unleash it right away.

We can't take him in, or The Court will know we're onto them.

Are you crazy?

What if he's yanking our chain?

What stops him from picking up the phone and calling the owl brigade the second we walk out that door?

My research.

And a vial of my virus compound which I secreted away unbeknownst to my captors.

A token of good will which I hope will be remembered when the time comes.

Good will?

You're playing both sides.

You help us take down The Court, and what, we cut you a deal?

But we fail, and you appear to be loyal to The Court.

Is that it?

You logical bastard.

Don't worry about the mess.

We have our poor test subject to blame for that.

Good luck, detectives.

Get Lucius the virus compound and the research.

See if he can find anyone we can trust to start working on the cure.

Where are you going?

I gotta find out where Kathryn's testing the b*mb.

Kathryn.

"KATHRYN".

I've thought about what you said.

You have done what we've asked.

Maybe it is time to take the next step.

Meet me at 331 Smith's Place.

Can't give me any more than that?

You said you didn't want to be kept in the dark.

Let's see if you're worthy of the light.

Is that all you have?

I thought you wanted to leave this place.

That's it!

That's it.

Yes.

See what you can accomplish once you remove destructive emotions?

Tell me, how did you feel when you were fighting this time?

I felt...

Nothing.

Hmm.

I b*at him.

Does that mean I can leave?

Is that what you want?

The pain to go away?

I can take it away, Bruce.

I can take it away.

And you can return to Gotham with a power you never thought possible.

It's your choice.

Get up.

We're not done.

James.

Glad you could make it.

Not sure I had a choice.

I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you for your g*n and your phone.

Nice party.

The daughters of Gotham.

Socialites who believe they hold the power in this city.

When what they really are is window dressing.

My family was one of the first in Gotham.

We've been on The Court since its founding, making the difficult decisions to ensure its long-term survival.

Which is why I brought you here.

Interesting centerpiece.

It's an aerosol dispersal b*mb.

Dispersal b*mb for what?

For the Alice Tetch virus.

So that's what you meant by showing Gotham its darkest self.

Precisely.

Infecting 200 people won't change anything.

True.

But the virus compound only lives in aerated form for a matter of minutes, so in a closed space like the room below, it will be contained to our guests.

But in an open space, the radius of infection is a half mile.

This is merely a test.

Place it in the middle of the room.

Don't worry.

You'll be safe up here.

I need to trust that you're ready to make the difficult decisions when the time comes.

That's why I'm here.

Good.

Because if it's not, if you try to stop the b*mb or interfere in any way, Talon has instructions to execute you on the spot.

Talon, right?

I'm assuming that's a nickname.

Right.

Wouldn't wanna miss out on the sounds of 200 people tearing each other's throats out.

"WOMAN".

The device is in place.

Hello, Jim.

I was beginning to think I wasn't going to hear from you.

I met you the other night, didn't I?

- When you took Nygma?

- Jim?

I keep wondering what it is The Court is planning to do with him.

Stop talking.

This used to be a bank, right?

First Bank of Gotham.

I just hope it can withstand whatever the b*mb's going to do to it.

Sounds like we don't have much time.

Shut up.

Sure.

Where's Jim?

He's not responding to my calls.

I'm heading into the bullpen to see if anyone's heard from him.

- What's going on?

- Hey, Lee.

Are you helping Jim?

Bullock, I get.

But has Jim also pulled you into his madness?

- It's not madness, Lee.

- Then what is it?

How many people does he have to k*ll before you all see what I see?

You got it wrong.

Jim's trying to make sure that what happened to Mario never happens to anyone again.

What are you talking about?

Lucius, please, just tell me what's going on.

I can't.

I'm sorry, Lee.

You're just like everybody else here.

Screw it.

Duck!

Everyone out!

Now!

Took you long enough.

I need to get these people out of here.

And I need to talk to The Court.

Have them turn over Ed, remember?

There is a b*mb down there with a weaponized version of the Alice Tetch virus.

If you wanna be here when it goes off, be my guest.

What about our deal?

You just torched their assassin.

My guess is they'll be in touch.

Mommy!

Help!

Mommy!

My daughter, where's my daughter?

Yes, sir.

Hello, Kathryn.

- My apologies for the time.

- Not at all.

How are things progressing with Bruce Wayne?

Excellent.

He believes in the destiny I have promised.

In a life free from the pain of his past.

The boy and I will be leaving tonight.

I trust everything will be in place by the time we arrive.

Of course.

Why haven't they made contact?

And where the hell is Ivy and the human popsicle?

Hello?

Are you listening to me?

You're awake.

Selina.

Are you okay?

Say something so that I know you're okay.

Why does my room smell like a giant bag of potpourri?

You're back!

Oh, I can't believe it.

Oh.

Wait, what are you doing?

You just got out of a coma.

You need to rest.

This can't wait.

What are you talking about?

Where are you going?

To Wayne Manor.

To k*ll someone.

- What are you doing?

- What does it look like I'm doing?

I'm leaving.

Well, actually, I'm resigning, and then I'm leaving.

Don't.

You belong here.

I thought I did.

Then you infected this place and everyone around you.

I'm done.

I am done with you, with the GCPD, with Gotham.

What are you talking about?

You've taken everything away from me.

Everything.

There's nothing left.

And for what?

I would ask you for the truth, but I honestly don't even think you know what that is anymore.

You want the truth?

Fine.

I k*lled Mario.

I'm done apologizing for it.

- He was gonna k*ll you.

- No.

I saw the Kn*fe.

I saw the Kn*fe, and I pulled the trigger, and I would do it again.

- He was infected.

- Yes!

Because Jervis Tetch wanted to punish you!

You.

Not Mario.

Mario didn't deserve what happened to him.

You wanna blame me for Mario's death, fine!

You wanna walk out that door and never come back, I can't stop you!

But it will not help.

Believe me.

The other day, you asked me at Mario's grave how I could walk away, move OH.

I guess you know how.

My name is Oswald Cobblepot.

You cannot do this to me.

I demand to speak to the person in charge!

Oswald.

You're alive?

I want to apologize for my curt behavior earlier.

We both want the same thing for Gotham.

Judgment.

But I have just discovered someone I thought was loyal has been deceiving me from the start.

Detective James Gordon now threatens to undo what we both seek.

I need you to k*ll him before he can do that.

Jim Gordon is guilty.

And I will be his executioner.